The Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce holds a discussion on the opioid crisis in Brunswick County in April. Kathryn Lawler, Hypnosis By Professionals, organized and moderated the event for the chamber.

Brunswick County Literacy Council’s 29th annual Adult Spelling Bee will be May 22 at Virginia Williamson Event Center at Brunswick Community College. The silent auction begins at 6 p.m. and spelling begins at 7 p.m. There is no admission fee, and refreshments will be served.

About 15 teams are expected to participate in the contest. New this year are prizes for best-costumed spellers and best cheering section. Returning to defend their 2016 and 2017 championships are Dr. Dwight Willis and Susan Eggert.

The Brunswick County Department of Social Services will provide Trauma Informed Partnering for Safety — Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting (TIPS-MAPP) training to become a foster/adoptive parent beginning Thursday, June 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Brunswick County Department of Social Services at the county government complex in Bolivia.

The Cape Fear Chapter of the Red Cross in Wilmington is seeking volunteers to help with its Biomedical Transportation Program. The chapter will host an open house Tuesday, June 5, for those interested in learning more.

Volunteer transportation specialists are needed to help deliver blood products to area hospitals, a vital service in the community led by volunteers.

The Red Cross Biomedical Transportation Volunteer Open House will be from 1 to 5 p.m. at 1102 S. 16th St. in Wilmington. Refreshments will be served.

Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry will host its seventh annual Dentistry from the Heart event Friday, May 4, when dental services will be provided to the community for free on a first-come, first served basis.

The event begins at 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at 3071 Southport-Supply Road (N.C. 211) in Bolivia. Volunteers will arrive at dawn to make the day run smoothly and patients feel welcomed and comfortable while they wait to be treated. More than 200 local residents will receive treatment including exams, X-rays, cleanings or and extractions at the event.

The Calabash Fire Department and its auxiliary present plaques of appreciation to Julie Lowry, manager of the Sunset Beach McDonald’s, and Melinda Sandford, owner of the Calabash Deli, for the continuous support they have given to the men and women of the Calabash Fire Department. From left are Jeanette Meckling, Irma Teger (seated), Sally Lombardo, Lowry, Camille Troisi, Chief Randy Bork, Sandford and Dennis Chiocco.